Talenti’s product range includes fat-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options, making it accessible to nearly all gelato enthusiasts. Their new flavors sweetened with monk fruit enhance their health appeal, targeting consumers concerned about high sugar content. Interestingly, the company opted to use monk fruit, a lesser-known natural sweetener, instead of the more popular stevia. Monk fruit is significantly cheaper than sugar but more costly and less sweet than stevia. Additionally, this sweetener introduces a fruity aftertaste that might affect the overall flavor profile of the products.
Despite these challenges, several companies are investing in research and development for monk fruit-based solutions. For example, Senomyx has created a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener named siratose derived from monk fruit, while Archer Daniels Midland has incorporated a monk fruit product into its sweetener offerings. Talenti is not alone in introducing monk fruit-sweetened varieties; other brands like Enlightened and DanoneWave’s So Delicious dairy-free line also feature formulations using monk fruit and erythritol. These companies are undoubtedly observing the rapid success of Halo Top, the low-sugar, low-fat ice cream brand known for prominently displaying its per-serving calorie count. Last year, Halo Top became the best-selling ice cream pint in the U.S., prompting other frozen dessert producers to lower their sugar levels in a bid to capture similar consumer interest.
Unilever, which owns Talenti, Ben & Jerry’s, and Breyers, appears determined to recapture market share from emerging brands. Last summer, Breyers launched low-calorie, high-protein ice cream called “Breyers delights,” featuring large calorie counts on the packaging akin to Halo Top. Recently, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a low-fat, low-calorie line called “Moo-phoria.” While the trend towards healthier options is evident, one must consider whether the average consumer truly prioritizes sugar levels and calorie counts when indulging in treats like gelato. Will the inclusion of monk fruit in some of Talenti’s offerings influence shoppers’ decisions? Or do consumers categorize healthier options like Halo Top and traditional indulgent ice creams into separate occasions, setting different expectations for each?
At present, it remains uncertain; however, Unilever seems confident that the strong appeal of its ice cream brands, along with the incorporation of citrate D3 in some formulations, will be sufficient to attract consumers back.